Red Cross urges Tennesseans to join Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill

The American Red Cross is encouraging Middle Tennessee residents to register and participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill Thursday at 10:17a.m.

The purpose of the drill is for people to learn and practice what to do if they ever experience an earthquake. Millions of people across the country and around the world will be participating.

“Earthquakes are unpredictable. They can occur at any time on any day. The Red Cross encourages people to be ready and know how to stay safe if a quake occurs,” said Joel Sullivan, Tennessee Volunteer Region regional CEO.

People can take part by registering at ShakeOut.org and practicing themselves or with others wherever they happen to be at the time.

Earthquake Safety Tips

The Red Cross has several tips and resources to help people learn what to do before, during and after an earthquake:

• If someone is in inside when the shaking starts:

They should drop to the ground, take cover and hold on. Move as little as possible. Try to protect the head and torso. If sitting at a desk or table, get under it and hold on to it until the shaking stops. Otherwise, drop wherever they are.

If someone is in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on. Protect the head with a pillow.

Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to exit.

Use stairs to exit the building rather than an elevator.

Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off in buildings during an earthquake, even if there is no fire.

• If someone is outside when the shaking starts:

Move as little as possible. Find a clear spot away from buildings, power lines, trees and streetlights and drop to the ground until the shaking stops.

If in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop. Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines if possible. Stay inside with the seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.

If a power line falls on the vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.

If in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris. Landslides are often triggered by earthquakes.

The free American Red Cross Earthquake App for iPhone and Android mobile devices gives users instant access to local and real-time information in order to help them make crucial decisions. People can view the app in English or Spanish based on user settings.

Features of the app include:

Simple steps and checklists people can use to create a family emergency plan;

Earthquake epicenter location, impact magnitude and local geographical impact data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey;

One touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm’s way;

Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm; and

Locations of open Red Cross shelters.

The Earthquake App can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or at redcross.org/mobileapps. Additional earthquake safety information is available at redcross.org/earthquake.